University of Richmond law school graduates told to be passionate about the law and innovative in changing the legal profession
May 11, 2009
A 1996 University of Richmond Law School graduate who has never practiced law told the school's 155 graduates May 9 that they should have a passion for the law, but that does not necessarily mean having a passion for practicing law.
Rick Klau, business product manager for Blogger at Google Inc., said he took an alternative path with his law degree. The one-time volunteer for Howard Dean's presidential campaign and Barack Obama's Illinois Senate campaign said he was blessed to always have been passionate about what he has done.
"I've never known where the path in front of me was leading, but my passion guided me — through challenges as well as successes."
He said his work at Google has shown him that people will soon have near-complete access to any information they want. "It will change how lawyers perceive themselves; it will change how the law reacts to fundamental principles like privacy, community and intellectual property, and it will change the nature of how clients interact with their lawyers," he said.
Today's law graduates have "an obligation" to change the legal profession. "Precedent must not define the path in front of you. It can only help you navigate it."
Innovation that has shaped other industries "will certainly accelerate change within the legal profession, and those of you who shape the change that's coming must be passionate about it and must understand the forces at work so that you can guide the law to where it needs to go," he said.
Student speaker Jeff Hanna of Southport, Conn., told his classmates that they should reflect on the word justice. "Let our diplomas remind us of our role in society and to work ethically," he said. As lawyers, they should "never breach the trust of clients, family or friends."
Speaking for the faculty, Jessica Erickson advised graduates to focus on the early years of their careers and find "what about the law speaks to you." Finding the way will take trial and error, but "you have time on your side. Watch for opportunities."
Two students received The T.C. Williams Law School Scholarship Award, presented to the student or students who have made the most significant contribution to overall legal scholarship. Jonathan Moore of Chester, Va., and Molly Geissenhainer of Pasadena, Md., received the honor.
Chelsea Dunn of Lynchburg, Va., won The Nina R. Kestin Service Award, presented to the graduate who has contributed most significantly to the school, the community and the legal profession. The faculty selected Jonathan Goodrich of Williamsburg, Va., as winner of The Charles T. Norman Award as the best all-around graduating student.